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IN WINNERS ROW

Holy Innocent’s Primary School and Graydon Sealy Secondary School are the winners of The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), “Learn Well Play Well Interschool Creative Competition.”

Frederick Smith Secondary School and Deighton were 2nd and 3rd in the Secondary School category. Belmont Primary School, St. Catherine’s Primary, Trinity Academy, Hillaby Turners Hall and Wilkie Cumberbatch secured prizes in that order respectively.

The interschool competition provided an opportunity for schools to involve parents and community members in a demonstration of their commitment to the healthy development of children. Participants were encouraged to select a prominent area of their school to mount a display to promote healthy alternatives to drug use and demonstrate a commitment to the healthy development of children. Registered schools received an NCSA display starter pack, the contents of which were to be included in the final display to be eligible for the school prize.

Mrs. Wendy Greenidge Substance Abuse Prevention Officer NCSA says although the number of schools participating in this inaugural event was moderate, the quality of the displays was simply outstanding.

During the awards ceremony, Mrs. Greenidge the organizer of the event said schools utilized a variety of media to stimulate the senses of the onlooker as they signed pledges, played games and unravelled the intricacies of the artwork on display.

Mrs Betty Hunte, NCSA Manager during her remarks, applauded the work which she says is a reflection of the talent that youth possess and also the dedication of both students and teachers. She cautioned the children to be mindful of what they see on social media and advised them to seek factual information from reliable sources.

The NCSA intends to host this competition again next year which they believe will be bigger and better. (PR)

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EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

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Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS

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SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George